“Slaying the Dragon Within”

Aslan the “Christ - character” Meet the Characters

Eustace Edmund Lucy Caspian

Eustace wanders off alone and finds a treasure-filled cave guarded by dying dragon.

After the old dragon dies, Eustace selfishly claims the treasure for himself and falls asleep on top of it.

When Eustace awakes, he realizes he has become… a dragon!

Eustace became outwardly what he had allowed himself to be inwardly… a horrible dragon! a horrible dragon! “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” Galatians 6:7-8 (NIV)

In what ways are we like Eustace? How can our selfish, sinful nature get the better of us at times? What did it take for Eustace to realize who he truly was and become desperate for personal transformation?

Eustace’s transformation back to boyhood begins when he meets Aslan face to face.

British Broadcasting Company (1989)

Eustace tried to transform himself by tearing off his dragon scales. But Eustace’s “dragon-ness” was more than skin deep. Devoid of his scaly exterior, Eustace was still a dragon. He needed Aslan’s help and power to bring about true transformation.

In what ways do we try to change ourselves from the “outside - in”? Whose help do we need to bring about true transformation in us?

“At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior. Titus 3:4-6 (NIV)

In the video clip, Aslan commanded Eustace to go under the water and mist where Eustace is transformed from a dragon back to a boy. What might this be symbolic of?

Baptism! “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” Romans 6:4 (NIV)

Baptism! The symbolism of baptism is both… Cleansing – We are washed clean from all our sin when we accept Jesus as our Savior and Lord. Transforming – We signify in baptism that our old sinful nature is dead and buried and we have been raised to new life in Jesus.

For a follower of Christ, there should be a healthy tension between our… “Positional Permanence in the Spirit” and our “Transformation of the Flesh”

“Positional Permanence in the Spirit” “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV) “There is therefore now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1 (NIV) “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” 1 John 5:13 (NIV)

“Positional Permanence in the Spirit” If you have asked Jesus to forgive you of your sins and received His free gift of salvation, nothing can change that! You are a new creation in Christ and your name has been written in the Book of Life. Positionally speaking, your place in His kingdom is secure; dependent on His “keeping” power, not yours.

“Transformation of the Flesh” “Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” Luke 9:23 (NIV) “Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed-not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence-continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.” Philippians 2:12 (NIV)

“Transformation of the Flesh” If you are a follower of Jesus, He wants you to partner with Him in your personal transformation – with the goal of becoming a closer refection of Him each day. Although it may be hard for you to see much progress from one day to another, you should be able to look back and see more of Christ in you and less of the dragon that was.

The difference can be experienced by simply inviting Jesus into your heart right now. Jesus want to transform your life from the “inside – out”. Will you let Him?